January 17th | Genesis 50

     In the last chapter of Genesis, we see the conclusion of the Patriarchs. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were the fathers of the faith. God promised to multiply, bless, and be with Abraham, and this blessing is carried down the line to Jacob (renamed Israel), who dies at the beginning of Genesis 50, leaving his twelve sons who would become the twelve tribes of Israel. This family is the foundation for the nation that God would use to be a light to the nations and represent His grace and truth to the world. In this final chapter, after Israel's death, we see three things about God. 

1. God Keeps His Promises

     God promised Abraham that He would make him a great nation and multiply and bless him. We see a procession that Abraham wouldn’t have believed at his grandson's funeral. Because of Joseph’s place as second in command of Egypt, the Pharaoh made an excellent procession for Jacob’s funeral. Verse 9 says,

 “And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen. It was a very great company.”

     Jacob died, leaving twelve sons, a large family, great wealth, and great prominence in the community. The promise to Abraham in Genesis 12 to make him a great nation, to bless his family, and to bless the world through him has come to pass at the close of Jacob’s life. God is faithful to keep His promises. Throughout the years, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob made mistakes, but God continued to pour out His love and kept the promise He made all those years ago. 

2. God Is Sovereign

     Joseph was sold by his brothers into slavery, sent to prison, and forgotten, then in one day lifted to second in command of all Egypt. Was Joseph just really lucky? How could all of this take place? I believe it shows God’s sovereignty. Even when Joseph didn’t understand, God was orchestrating the events of his life to accomplish His perfect will. Verse 20 says,

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”

     Maybe you have had a tough break. Perhaps someone meant evil against you, and you feel like you are in a pit, just like Joseph. Our God is greater than the evil in this world. Our God can take an evil action and turn it for good. I am reminded of Romans 8:28, 

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. “ 

     No matter if you are in a pit or a palace, recognize that God is in control. He has you in a place for a purpose, and He is working for your good. If you don’t see it right now, just wait and trust in His sovereignty. 

3. God is Gracious

     Joseph’s brothers were worried that Joseph would seek revenge now that their father was dead. Our natural human response would expect Joseph to act in anger and hurt his brothers like they hurt him. But what is Joseph’s response? Verse 19 says, 

“But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?” 

     Human nature would want revenge, but Joseph acted in the Spirit, not the flesh. Remember Genesis 41:38?

“And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?”

     Joseph was filled with the Spirit of God. A natural person would have sought revenge, but Joseph sought forgiveness. Joseph's forgiveness didn’t come from his own nature but from God. Our God is gracious and merciful. He sees our sins and flaws and still loves and forgives us. He offers us grace upon grace. Today, would you trust in a God who keeps His promises, is sovereign, and is abundantly gracious?